Building the Raft While Drowning: Searching for Mental Health Help & Hope in Rural America

Mindful Campus: Navigating Mental Health in College

In this episode I am joined by Dr. William Burns, Director of the North Dakota State University Counseling Center and Katie Fitzsimmons, Director of Student Affairs for the North Dakota University System. During our time together we discuss mental health services for college students across the state, the epidemic of loneliness that has reached our campuses, and the role that talk therapy can have on improving anyone’s life.

Suicide Prevention for Veterans: A Former VA Psychiatrist and VA Social Worker Share Their Experiences

In this episode I’m joined by Clinical Psychiatrist, Dr. Morris Hund, and Sarah Kemp-Tabbut, Licensed Social Worker and Community Engagement & Partnerships Coordinator for the Fargo Veterans Association.  Dr. Hund, Sarah and I discuss the issue of suicide prevention for our military veterans. Together we explore a number of critical factors that can either support or prevent veterans from seeking help including stigma, treatment myths, and access to benefits. Along with looking at some of the challenges of meeting the needs of our veterans, we also find hope in sharing the many community-based suicide prevention trainings that are available for medical providers and families. During our conversation we touch on issues affecting veterans including: * The power of stigma and seeking help for PTSD * The role of education and funding in increasing utilization of veterans' services * The impact of provider burnout on veterans' services * Available suicide prevention trainings for both veteran and non-veteran families and medical providers

Mental Health & Substance Use Crises in ND: 2 Mental Health Experts Share Their Stories

In this episode, I visit with Statewide Clinician Leads and experts in the field of mental health and substance use, Tarah Cavett and Laura Gitter. Tarah and Laura provide consulting and leadership in North Dakota's ongoing work to enhance the existing system.  In our hour together, Laura and Tarah offer a closer look at the current structure of the crisis response system, the challenges of meeting the growing mental health crisis, and the ways in which the system supports ongoing efforts to reduce the stigma of mental health.

988 Could Change the Way We Handle Suicide Prevention

In this epsiode I am joined by Jeremy Brown, Outreach Director for FirstLink. Based out of Fargo, ND FirstLink is a free, confidential service that offers listening and support, referrals to resources, and crisis intervention 24 hours a day. Jeremy and I will be talking about 988, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline that was signed into law in 2020. We’ll discuss the importance of 988 within the larger scope of North Dakota’s Behavioral Health System and how FirstLink plays a critical role in its implementation.